諸經要集 12.79

12.79

Next, relying on the treatise, it is asked: The intermediate state is subtle; all walls, cliffs, and trees cannot obstruct it. Do the intermediate states of this one and that one obstruct each other? Some say: The intermediate states of this one and that one do not obstruct each other either, because when their bodies touch each other due to being extremely subtle, they do not perceive it. Others say: The intermediate states of this one and that one do obstruct each other, because when they encounter each other, they speak to one another. Question: If so, why is it said that the intermediate state is unobstructed? Answer: It is unobstructed with respect to other [matter], not with respect to [other] intermediate states. Question: Do the intermediate states of this one and that one all obstruct each other? Answer: Those of their own kind obstruct each other, not those of other kinds: the intermediate state of hell obstructs only the intermediate state of hell, up to the intermediate state of gods which obstructs only the intermediate state of gods. Some say: The inferior obstructs the superior because it is coarse and heavy, while the superior does not obstruct the inferior because it is subtle and light. That is to say, the intermediate state of hell obstructs five intermediate states; the intermediate state of animals obstructs four intermediate states; the intermediate state of the ghost realm obstructs three intermediate states; the intermediate state of humans obstructs two intermediate states; and the intermediate state of gods obstructs only the intermediate state of gods.